Ann Arbor Symphony to perform at South Lyon farmers market

South Lyon’s Farmers Market is ready to give residents and loyal customers a chance to hear the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and give kids a chance to play instruments.

A small ensemble performance and an “instrument petting zoo” will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the market on the northwest corner of Liberty and Lafayette streets in downtown.

“It’s special to the market, because we’ve tried to make music part of every market day,” said South Lyon Farmers Market Manager Mary Novrocki. “We’ve had some great musicians and to have the Ann Arbor Symphony there is an especially good thing. We haven’t had a chance to hear this type of music at the market.”

The symphony ensemble will play from 11-12:30 p.m. Jack Hartwig will perform at other times during the day.

The symphony will also provide an “instrument petting zoo.” While it’s geared toward children, instruments will be available to anyone who is interested in getting their hands on violins, cellos, flutes, clarinets, trumpets and trombones.

The symphony is pairing with farmers markets throughout the state in a three-year program, Taste of Music, which is funded by the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan.

“We’re excited that we can we can be in front of a new audience that’s not our typical audience,” explained Sarah Ruddy, Ann Arbor Symphony director of education and outreach. “We like that they’re bringing classical music in a fun environment and they show them how fun it can be.”

Added Navrocki: “It’s another nice event that people can come to downtown. For me that’s one of the main reasons the market exists, other than to offer fresh produce and hand-crafted items.”

For concert or educational programming information, contact the symphony at 734-994-4801 or email info@a2so.com.